2006 GMC Envoy Reviews

2006 GMC Envoy Denali 5.3L from North America

Summary:

Still like the vehicle despite past issues

Faults:

Just after purchasing the car, I noticed the both rear door weather strips were coming loose by the rear wheel well. I had some black weather strip adhesive and used that to re-glue the weather strip. No problems since.

Radio/CD unit went dead (no power) at 15,000 miles and was replaced under warranty.

Radio/CD unit ate a CD at 35,000 miles and was replaced under warranty.

A/C runs after car is shut off at 35,000 miles. Dealer provided a service bulletin, which explains that this occurred after the radio unit was replaced due to an updated service module in the new radio console, which causes the A/C to run for 10 minutes after the engine has been turned off and the A/C has been running on days with high humidity. This is supposed to eliminate excess moisture in the A/C system and avoid a musty smell developing. Once this update is applied, it cannot be removed.

Broke the driver's side seat control panel sliding out of the car without using the running boards for a step at 40,000 miles. Dealer ordered a new part for $20 and installed it for no charge. I could not believe that part would be that inexpensive.

Squeal developed in the engine compartment at 41,000 miles. Turned out to be the lower A/C belt tension pulley. Out of warranty so I did the repair by removing the air filter intake (to make some room to see), removing the small lower splash plate (2 bolts), removing the lower belt using a 1/4 inch ratchet to release the belt tension and remove the belt, and then removing the lower tension pulley (2 bolts). A bit of a tight space to get a ratchet and light into.

I was prepared to replace both tension pulleys and the idler pulley, but the aftermarket idler pulley was slightly different, causing the front washer to not fit. After finding play in the lower tension pulley, I only replaced that. Original lower tension pulley wheel was metal, but aftermarket had a plastic wheel similar to the upper tension pulley. I went ahead and replaced both belts as well. No more noise from the engine.

Update October 2012:

This is a continued post from 41,000 miles.

Still love the vehicle, and it still looks great, although several items have occurred to increase the cost of ownership since the posting at 41,000 miles.

65,000 miles; I noticed the engine using about 2 quarts of oil between 3000 mile oil changes with normal driving. I don't see it leaking or smoking, but it does lose it somewhere. I switched to Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5W-30 every 8000 miles between oil changes, and have noticed a lot less oil consumption, but still need to add about a quart between 8000 mile oil changes.

75,000 miles; the rear air bags would deflate at colder temperatures. Replaced both rear air bags. Relatively simple procedure. Rear air bags were $169 from www.arnottindustries.com.

83,000 miles; the transmission cooler in the radiator failed and mixed transmission fluid in the coolant system and coolant in the transmission, causing everything to look like a strawberry shake. I had a reputable transmission shop do an entire clean and rebuild of the transmission, including replacing the torque converter and pump, flushed the engine and heater core, replaced the water pump, hoses, and radiator. Total repair cost was $2700.

85,000 miles; the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. $340.00 at local muffler shop.

I expect to replace the brakes and rotors soon, but surprisingly they are still very good considering the mileage and occasional towing of U-Haul trailers.

Currently at 95,000 miles.

General Comments:

Lots of power and great towing capability with the 5.3L and 373 rear end. Not so great fuel economy, 15 city and 19 highway. Runs great on 87 octane fuel.

2006 GMC Envoy XL, SLT2 4.2L I-6 from North America

Summary:

Great ride for a truck minded, large-family man

Faults:

Very little that is OEM related.

General Comments:

An excellent 7 seater choice. My view, Seating comfort is as good as a minivan. Ride comfort is incredible. My mom-in-law says with surprise, "I can ride in this (3rd row) seat for hours!" (She has a Pilot)

By for the most luxurious vehicle we have owned or had as kid. I enjoy the information center, quietness, size and features.

I should not complain as I knew the issue at purchase, but I'm obsessed with gas mileage. I'm "only" getting the sticker mpg's. I've always gotten better than stick with my other car's so I feel this one is letting me down. I know, I know, pitiful really. I also don't like the corning, much too much lean. I hear stiffer urethane/ neoprene/etc would help, but I have not been able to locate an after market supplier of such parts. I cannot comment on towing as I don't tow anything.

The Envoy XL is a terrific vehicle for the person who is more concerned with comfort in all areas and not so much racing or mpgs. That said, if I totalled the Envoy tomorrow, I would not look to replace it with another of the same. There are better new vehicles out there now. I'd look at the GMC Acadia for starters.

23rd Jan 2008, 13:22

I agree with you looking at the Acadia. If not towing anything, or driving dirt roads in the winter and spring, it is probably a better vehicle for the typical family. I feel the same way about my Trailblazer EXT, especially since the Trailblazer is no longer available with a 3rd. row seat.

23rd Jan 2008, 18:12

I own a new Trailblazer 4wd/AWD and also a mint older GM G20 fully loaded low mileage high top 350 V8 Conversion Van; TV/DVD updates, the works including the trail towing package that will tow everything I own...

I like the drivability - handling of the Trailblazer the majority of the time, and chose the Conversion Van for family outings and for trips. They are a great bargain (someone else took the depreciation hit initially) compared to buying just one Suburban/Tahoe only.